George R.R. Martin Reveals Dead 'Game of Thrones' Character Is Still Alive in the Books

There's no doubt the Game of Thrones world is about to get confusing, as the blockbuster TV show completely outpaces the book series on which it's based.

And while fans heatedly debate the true fate of Jon Snow, his death wasn't the only one that left them puzzled after the Season 5 finale. Stannis Baratheon, the throne-seeking elder brother of late king Robert Baratheon, was supposedly cut down by Brienne of Tarth in the finale, though the death took place off-screen. When the episode's director confirmed the death in early in July, fans took that as gospel.

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But just yesterday, A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin revealed Stannis is "beyond a doubt" alive in the books during an online Q&A. Are the showrunners just trying to throw off fans, just as they are with Jon Snow? Only Season 6 will tell.

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